Ice Skating Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Lack of supervision — Ensure that trained staff are present during all public skating sessions to monitor activity and enforce rules. Maintain appropriate staff-to-skater ratios. Staff should be trained in first aid and emergency procedures. Implement policies for handling misconduct or unsafe behavior.
• Lack of protective gear (helmets, pads) — Encourage or require the use of protective gear, especially for children and beginners. Make helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads available for rental or purchase. Educate skaters on the benefits of protective equipment. Staff should promote and model the use of safety gear.
• Broken or damaged rink boards — Inspect rink boards and barriers regularly for signs of damage or wear. Repair or replace damaged sections immediately. Use protective padding where appropriate. Inform skaters of any areas under repair and block off unsafe sections.
• Misbehavior on the rink — Enforce rink rules prohibiting dangerous behaviors. Supervise the rink to monitor and correct misconduct. Implement consequences for rule violations, such as warnings or removal from the ice. Educate skaters on the importance of respectful and safe conduct.
• Foreign objects on the rink — Conduct regular patrols of the ice surface to remove any foreign objects. Encourage skaters to secure personal items and avoid bringing unnecessary items onto the ice. Provide secure storage for belongings. Staff should respond promptly to reports of debris.